Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
As a lifelong advocate for racing, I find it troubling that both of my companies, The Thoroughbred Report (TTR) and Kick Collective, have not been approved ATC media passes this season.
While approvals were straightforward in past years, this time, our multiple applications went unacknowledged. When I made a call to the Head of Media and Broadcast, it was indicated that our passes would be withheld due to “our views not aligning with the ATC.” Further attempts to seek specific clarification—including direct outreach to the Chairman—were met with evasive responses, and to date, the matter remains unresolved.
Without a clear explanation, and as the ATC has promptly granted access to numerous smaller media outlets, marketing agencies, and social media consultants, it’s difficult not to conclude that my businesses have been deliberately singled out.
Curiously, however, this is also a race club that has no issue using the free resources my team provides to improve the perception of the industry, through Kick Up for Racing.
The stonewalling surrounding our media passes is the latest in a series of actions that paint a stark picture of our industry leadership's aversion to transparency—a pattern made unmistakably clear at the ATC since the Rosehill sale announcement.
It is, quite plainly, a thinly veiled attempt to sideline independent voices unwilling to toe the line of a controlled narrative.
Vicky Leonard | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Both TTR and Kick Collective are dedicated to transparent communication that pushes the industry toward a stronger future. TTR is a platform that can be used for positive change, to debate both sides of any industry discussion. Where mainstream media may bow to advertising pressures, we make no apologies for asking difficult questions of leadership.
It's time for a change. We need ATC board members who are accountable to the members they represent, not beholden to protecting themselves from scrutiny.
The board’s handling of the Rosehill sale proposal underscores the pressing need for such accountability. From the start, this proposal has embarrassed the club and the industry. Selling Rosehill may have merits, but rather than lead a genuine, consultative discovery process, the Chairman prioritised a premature media announcement, appearing more concerned with political posturing than serving the club members he represents.
The grand public spectacle left ATC members and industry stakeholders on the back foot and defensively positioned- rather than empowered to weigh the sale’s pros and cons objectively. It also unnecessarily underscored public perception that horse racing is detached from the struggles of everyday Australians dealing with a housing crisis. Yet, in reality, horse racing is sustained by everyday Australians - employing nearly 80,000 people, from stable hands to feed suppliers.
This ATC election is a call to action. It’s an opportunity to elect leaders who will listen to us, respect our voices, and tackle critical issues openly.
That’s why I, Vicky Leonard, will be placing my ATC member votes with Annette English and David Walter, two nominees who have pledged to be dedicated advocates for transparency and accountability, making it their priority that members' rights and industry interests are prioritised in every boardroom decision.
It’s also important that members and stakeholders are finally represented by a leader that respects them. They can make that happen by supporting the Save Rosehill movement to change the ATC board's leadership.
With public demands for transparency, welfare, and integrity at an all-time high, we need board members committed to upholding these principles.
For the ATC’s future, let’s bring in leadership that’s unafraid of transparency, isn’t beholden to hidden agendas, and is prepared to rebuild confidence in a race club board that members can trust.
